Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

Rachel Reeves has described closer trade relations with the EU as 'the biggest prize' for the UK economy, signalling Labour’s desire for further alignment with Europe. She said that while deals with India, the USA, and other nations are welcome, none compare in scale to improving trade with the EU, which accounts for nearly as much UK trade as the rest of the world combined. She favours removing barriers for businesses and rebuilding trust with European partners, citing renewed participation in the Erasmus programme and plans for a Youth Mobility Scheme as signs of progress. Though Labour’s manifesto rules out rejoining the single market or customs union, several senior figures have suggested deeper integration could boost growth. Critics accuse the Government of attempting to dilute Brexit, warning against surrendering tariff control or repeating complications seen in other customs arrangements.

Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are assessing fresh allegations that a woman was allegedly sent to Windsor in 2010 for 'sexual purposes' involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Officers are liaising with US law enforcement after reports linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced. They say that no formal complaint has been made directly to them by the woman or her lawyer, but they are following established procedures and taking the matter seriously. Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Two other women have previously alleged they were sent to the UK in connection with Epstein, one being Virginia Giuffre, who claimed this happened in 2001. Police are also assessing email messages which appear to show that confidential documents were shared with Epstein during Andrew’s time as trade envoy. Former prime minister Gordon Brown has urged a thorough re-examination of earlier investigations.

A fresh political row has raised new questions about Keir Starmer’s judgment following controversy over the appointment of Lord Matthew Doyle to the House of Lords. Former Downing Street communications director Tim Allan has stated he informed the prime minister about Doyle’s past association with Sean Morton, a convicted sex offender, before Doyle was offered a peerage. Allan said Doyle admitted believing Morton’s claims of innocence prior to conviction but did not disclose campaigning on his behalf. Lord Doyle has apologised for an 'error of judgement' but has declined further comment. There has been considerable unrest within Labour, with MPs voicing concern that repeated vetting controversies are damaging public trust. Comparisons have been drawn with the criticism surrounding Lord Mandelson’s appointment, prompting calls within the party for stronger scrutiny of honours and peerages. With parliament entering recess, pressure remains on the prime minister to reassure colleagues and the public that due diligence and safeguarding standards are being handled responsibly at the highest levels of government. See

The UK economy grew by just 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025, below the 0.2% forecast by many economists, according to the Office for National Statistics. The figure mirrors growth in the previous quarter, reinforcing concerns that the economy remains sluggish. The services sector showed no growth, manufacturing provided the main boost, and construction recorded its weakest performance in over four years. If measured per head of population – a clearer indicator of living standards – output declined across the second half of the year. Although overall growth for 2025 slightly exceeded that of 2024, unemployment has risen to 5.1%, and small businesses report pressures comparable to the Covid period. Investment is reportedly restrained by higher employment costs and global uncertainties, including international trade tensions. Rachel Reeves defended the Government’s economic plan, highlighting falling inflation and interest rate cuts. However, economists warn that policy clarity and stable foundations are essential if growth is to strengthen meaningfully in 2026.

Highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes are being linked to a growing number of deaths across the UK, with 286 inquests connected to the drugs by March 2025. Experts warn they can be many times stronger than heroin and are often mixed into other substances without users’ knowledge. In many cases, people believe they are taking prescription painkillers or heroin, only to ingest a far more dangerous substitute. Gus, aged 21, died after unknowingly taking a tablet sold as oxycodone which contained a nitazene. His mother Nicola said she had never heard of the drug before reading his post-mortem report. Most recorded deaths were accidental, predominantly involving men, and often linked to polydrug use. Vulnerable groups, including those with unstable housing or mental health conditions, are disproportionately affected. Authorities believe nitazenes are being smuggled in small quantities by post and mixed for profit. Campaigners are urging wider access to naloxone, the overdose-reversing antidote, and improved detection systems to prevent further tragedy.

In her first address to General Synod as Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally spoke of humility, responsibility, and hope amid significant challenges facing the Church. She reflected that when 'the wind and waves are rocking the boat’, her focus must remain on Christ, who calms the storm. Rooted in her calling to follow Jesus and make Him known, she described her leadership not as launching new programmes, but as shepherding collaboratively, enabling others to flourish. Giving thanks for the prayers and support received across the CofE and the Anglican Communion, she said that the Church’s 'best days are still to come.' Emphasising accountability, she committed to transparency, especially in safeguarding, acknowledging past failures and the need for trauma-informed, independent processes which place survivors first. Highlighting signs of renewed church attendance and 'green shoots of hope’, she urged unity amid difference, likening conflict to the grit that forms a pearl. Her vision is of a hospitable Church offering healing and hope to a fractured world, rooted firmly in the Gospel.

Labour MPs have warned that Keir Starmer’s leadership is under serious threat following intense backlash over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the USA. Fury erupted after Starmer admitted he was aware of Mandelson’s past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before approving the appointment. A Commons debate nearly ended in government defeat, narrowly avoided through a last-minute amendment forcing the future release of documents relating to Mandelson’s vetting and appointment. Several Labour MPs described a collapse of trust, with some openly questioning whether they could support Starmer in a confidence vote. The mood, described as 'dark' and 'terminal’, has unsettled even long-standing loyalists. MPs warned that once withheld documents are released - currently delayed by a Metropolitan Police investigation - a leadership challenge could follow. Though Starmer has pledged transparency and announced plans to strip Mandelson of honours, and ministers insist he acted in good faith, many MPs fear lasting damage to the government’s credibility and moral authority.

Six Palestine Action activists have been cleared of aggravated burglary following a break-in at a UK subsidiary of Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems near Bristol, but several still face the prospect of retrial on other serious charges. The raid took place in August 2024, when a group used a vehicle to breach the site’s perimeter and entered the building in protest against what they believe is the company’s involvement in supplying weapons to Israel - claims Elbit Systems strongly denies. While three defendants were acquitted of violent disorder, the jury was unable to reach verdicts on remaining charges for others, including grievous bodily harm against one defendant accused of injuring a police officer. Five activists have been released on bail, with one remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing in February. The trial heard conflicting accounts of events, with prosecutors alleging planned violence using sledgehammers, while the defence insisted the group acted defensively and without intent to harm. Outside the court, supporters gathered to celebrate the partial acquittals. The case has raised wider debate about protest, conscience, public order, and the limits of lawful dissent.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has defended the government’s proposed immigration reforms amid growing opposition from Labour MPs concerned about fairness and workforce impact. The plans would double the standard qualifying period for permanent settlement from five to ten years, with some migrants—particularly health and social care workers—potentially waiting up to fifteen years. Mahmood argued that record levels of net migration require a firm response, describing settlement as a privilege rather than a right. Government figures show net migration added 2.6 million people to the UK population between 2021 and 2024, with up to 1.6 million projected to qualify for settlement later this decade. Ministers say the proposals allow flexibility, enabling high earners or those on global talent routes to shorten the qualifying period, while benefit dependency could extend it. A consultation is exploring transitional arrangements, though those already granted settlement would not be affected. Critics warn the reforms risk being retrospective and 'un-British’, potentially deterring vital workers and worsening skills shortages, especially in the care sector. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between border control, economic need, and fairness.

A new national cancer plan for England has been published, marking a significant moment after years of calls for a long-term, ambitious cancer strategy. The ten-year plan covers prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, and research, with a central aim for 75% of people diagnosed with cancer to survive at least five years by 2035. Given that cancer outcomes in England have lagged behind comparable nations, this focus on survival has been widely welcomed, though delivering it will be challenging. Positive commitments include a full rollout of lung screening by 2030, stronger emphasis on earlier diagnosis, and meeting cancer waiting time targets by 2029. The plan also highlights innovations such as AI tools and liquid biopsies, and places welcome priority on children’s and young people’s cancer research. Efforts to reduce risk factors like smoking and UV exposure are noted; however, concerns remain about limited detail on implementation, responsibility, and funding. The plan sets oversight structures and promises progress reviews, but its success will depend on sustained investment, clear accountability, and determined delivery across the NHS and research system. See